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tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
5.0
This is a small book but don't let that trick you into thinking that it is an insignificant book. Exploring ideas of resilience and tugging the heart of the reader, Outside the Gates is a lovely exploration of survival.
alicebme's review against another edition
5.0
It has been far too long since I read my first Molly Gloss book. This novella was so immersive. For revisiting and gentle contemplation.
adam_nie's review against another edition
4.75
I read less Fantasy over time. This book was a warm return. Simple, moving, and effective.
maya_d's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
archergal's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness, I loved this little book.
Folks on the plain that have special powers aren't welcome. They're put outside the gates, with the monsters and the shadow men.
Vren makes friends with animals. The way he does it isn't allowed. He gets put outside the gates, and expects to die. Instead, he's found by Rusche, who looks rough and terrifying. But looks aren't everything. And Rushe and Vren take care of each other.
In a world where it seems like any encounter between a young man and an older man so often seems to fall into abuse and exploitation, it's refreshing to see a relationship that isn't like that. Sometimes a friendship is just a friendship, and loyalty and caring don't have to be declared out loud all the time.
This is another story that's really mostly hopeful. I really need those right now.
I read it in one session in the middle of the night.
Folks on the plain that have special powers aren't welcome. They're put outside the gates, with the monsters and the shadow men.
Vren makes friends with animals. The way he does it isn't allowed. He gets put outside the gates, and expects to die. Instead, he's found by Rusche, who looks rough and terrifying. But looks aren't everything. And Rushe and Vren take care of each other.
In a world where it seems like any encounter between a young man and an older man so often seems to fall into abuse and exploitation, it's refreshing to see a relationship that isn't like that. Sometimes a friendship is just a friendship, and loyalty and caring don't have to be declared out loud all the time.
This is another story that's really mostly hopeful. I really need those right now.
I read it in one session in the middle of the night.
booksnorkel's review against another edition
4.0
This book was recommended to me by my boss.
A strangely morose tale of a young boy who is kicked out of his village which is protected from the rest of the world by large foreboding gate. The boy has a shadow, to talk to animals. In this world anyone who has a special talent is exiled into the wild. There are many people who live outside of the gates and one of them befriends the boy and teaches his to live off the earth. Eventually you find that not all shadowed people are kind, and not all use their gifts for good. Can Vren save himself and everyone with a shadow from those who would use them for ill? Harrowing and short this book took me about two hours to read, but it was worth it.
The writing style of this book is worth mentioning. The main character is referred to as 'the boy' except in time when he has to do something that is uniquely human. The time and place are not well described but that adds to the mystery and makes it more realistic. He is not described, nor is his age given, the story is hazy but that just adds to it. Age and concept of self would be lost if you were kicked out of your home at an early age, and how much of your home would you want to remember if they gave you up so easily.
A strangely morose tale of a young boy who is kicked out of his village which is protected from the rest of the world by large foreboding gate. The boy has a shadow, to talk to animals. In this world anyone who has a special talent is exiled into the wild. There are many people who live outside of the gates and one of them befriends the boy and teaches his to live off the earth. Eventually you find that not all shadowed people are kind, and not all use their gifts for good. Can Vren save himself and everyone with a shadow from those who would use them for ill? Harrowing and short this book took me about two hours to read, but it was worth it.
The writing style of this book is worth mentioning. The main character is referred to as 'the boy' except in time when he has to do something that is uniquely human. The time and place are not well described but that adds to the mystery and makes it more realistic. He is not described, nor is his age given, the story is hazy but that just adds to it. Age and concept of self would be lost if you were kicked out of your home at an early age, and how much of your home would you want to remember if they gave you up so easily.
sillypunk's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful little novella: https://blogendorff.com/2019/02/05/book-review-outside-the-gates/
cheyenneb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0